Carla Aalse For many supervisory boards, the annual self-assessment is a ritual: fill in a questionnaire, compare scores, and have a short discussion. But such a surface-level approach fails to do justice to the true value of reflection.
An effective self-assessment is much more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s a powerful tool to strengthen governance, deepen team collaboration, and enhance the strategic role of the board.
Why look beyond the standard questionnaire?
A good supervisory board is more than a control mechanism; it is a strategic partner to the executive. This requires a culture of ongoing reflection: on its own role, decision-making processes, and collaboration. Self-assessment is therefore not just a checklist, but an opportunity to genuinely grow as a team.
What makes a self-assessment truly valuable?
1. Structured Reflection
It starts with the right questions. How do we function as a team? Do we hold each other accountable? Are we sufficiently strategic? An open, honest dialogue is essential.
2. Qualitative Feedback
A questionnaire is a fine starting point, but real insights emerge in conversation. Think of individual interviews and/or a group session with an external facilitator.
3. External Facilitation
According to the Dutch corporate governance code, boards are expected to evaluate their performance annually. It’s customary to do so with external guidance at least once every three years. In the healthcare sector, this is even mandatory. An independent facilitator adds value through objectivity, sharp questions, and relevant insights drawn from other organizations.
| When is external guidance especially valuable? External process guidance can really make a difference in situations such as: when there are tensions or reticence within the board; when one or a few members dominate the conversation; when the board has difficulty with critical self-reflection; when the relationship with the board is strained or when the organization is in a complex transition. |
In any case, a fresh, external perspective on board performance is always beneficial.
4. 360-Degree feedback
In addition to self-reflection, input from the executive, management team, or other stakeholders provides a more complete picture of performance.
5. Action-Oriented Conclusions
A meaningful evaluation results in concrete action points: from improving meeting structures to strengthening specific competencies within the board.
6. Attention to Culture and Dynamics
How do board members speak to each other? Is there real space for critical voices? A board that leans too heavily on consensus or avoids conflict risks losing effectiveness.
7. Addressing tensions in practice
In my work, I regularly see challenging situations:
- A chair who is underperforming.
- Board members hesitant to express concerns about peers.
- An executive who may no longer be the right fit, but no one is addressing it.
A good self-assessment puts these themes on the table. And that’s exactly what a board needs to grow.
8. A Continuous Process
Self-assessment is not a one-off exercise. Sustainable development occurs when boards regularly reflect and monitor whether identified improvement areas are being addressed.
Time for real impact
Does your supervisory board want to go beyond the standard questionnaire? Ready to engage in a self-assessment that truly enhances governance and board effectiveness? A well-guided, in-depth evaluation makes a real difference ➝ in collaboration, clarity, and strategic strength.
Curious how your board can get more out of self-assessment? I’d be happy to explore it with you. Feel free to reach out for a no-obligation conversation.
Carla Aalse
Managing Partner at crmLiNK | Organizational and Social Psychologist
Specialized in governance, diversity, and effective oversight, with extensive experience guiding supervisory and non-executive boards.
